Should I let my dog sleep in my bed?

It’s the age-old debate, should you or shouldn't you let the dog sleep in the bed. They may be super cuddly, but the friendly nudges at 4am might not be your idea of a perfect sleep.

We've got some great news - sleeping with your pup can be good for you! A recent study found that sleeping with your dog in the bed can heighten your sense of security, making it even easier to fall asleep (which isn’t hard when you’ve already got the comfiest mattress in the world).

Conduced by the Centre of Sleep Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in the U.S, nearly half of the participants claimed that having a pet in bed was beneficial, or at least didn't have a negative impact on their sleep.

Let’s be frank, some breeds are easier to sleep next to than others. Your Great Dane? Maybe not so much. Your miniature Fox Terrier? Now we're talking!

While it comes down to personal preference, there are a few things to keep in mind when letting your pooch share the bed.

1. Allergies

If you’ve ever suffered from any kind of animal allergy, it’s best to not share your bed. While you might only get sniffly having a quick cuddle, sleeping with them for even a few hours can heighten the allergy and be dangerous for your health.

2. Noise Factor

Is your dog a snorer? A runaround? A mover or shaker? You won’t know till you’ve tried it, but if your dog isn’t generally a cuddly pooch, it’s more likely they won’t make a great bed buddy either. Try napping first, and see how your pet goes with the sudden lack of movement. If they can’t settle down or snore like a pug and you're a super light sleeper, you may want to rethink your new sleep-time pal.

3. Size

Is your dog a gigantic German Shepherd or a tiny Pomeranian? The size of your pooch can be a deciding factor when it comes to sharing. If you’re terrified that A. your dog will squash you or B. you will squash your dog - it’s time to start sleeping solo. Having unnecessary stress isn’t ideal for a relaxing sleep, and you and your dog will be comfier knowing you won’t harm one another either.

At the end of the day, if you love your pooch and feel like they're not impacting your sleep (or you can put up with their snoring) then go for it!